Brazilian cheese bread, also known as pão de queijo in Portuguese, is a popular snack and breakfast food in Brazil. It is a small, round, and chewy bread roll that is typically made with tapioca flour, cheese, eggs, and oil.
How To Make:
The dough for Brazilian cheese bread is very easy to make and can be made either by hand or with a food processor. The tapioca flour is first mixed with boiling water, which helps to activate the starches and create a gel-like consistency. Once the mixture has cooled slightly, eggs, cheese, and oil are added, and the dough is kneaded until it becomes smooth and elastic.
The cheese used in Brazilian cheese bread is typically a semi-soft, mild cheese such as queso fresco or mozzarella, although other types of cheese can also be used depending on personal preference. The cheese is grated and mixed into the dough, which gives the bread a distinctive cheesy flavor and a slightly elastic texture.
After the dough has been prepared, it is rolled into small balls and baked in a preheated oven until golden brown. Brazilian cheese bread can be enjoyed on its own as a snack or served as a side dish with meals. It is often eaten with coffee for breakfast or as an appetizer before a main meal.
What is Pao de Queijo?
Pão de Queijo is a popular Brazilian snack or breakfast food that is also known as "Brazilian Cheese Bread" in English. It is a small, round, cheese-flavored bread made with tapioca flour, eggs, oil, and grated cheese, usually Parmesan or similar hard cheese.
Pão de Queijo has a crispy crust on the outside and a soft, chewy, and slightly stretchy texture on the inside. It is usually eaten warm and fresh from the oven and can be enjoyed plain or with a variety of toppings, such as butter, cream cheese, jam, or cold cuts.
Pão de Queijo is a staple of Brazilian cuisine and is enjoyed by people of all ages and social classes. It is commonly found in bakeries, coffee shops, and supermarkets throughout Brazil, and has gained popularity in other countries as well.
Here are some tips and variations for making and enjoying Pão de Queijo:
Tips:
Use high-quality ingredients, especially cheese. Freshly grated cheese will give the bread a more pronounced cheese flavor.
Mix the dough thoroughly to ensure that the tapioca flour is evenly distributed and there are no lumps.
Let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes before shaping and baking to allow the flour to absorb the liquid and the dough to become more cohesive.
The finest way to enjoy o de Queijo is right out of the oven. If you have leftovers, reheat them in the oven or toaster oven to restore their crispiness.
Variations:
For more taste, season the dough with herbs or spices. Chopped rosemary, thyme, or oregano would work well, as would garlic powder or paprika.
Use different types of cheese to vary the flavor. Some popular options include cheddar, gouda, and feta.
Make mini Pão de Queijo by using a mini muffin tin instead of a regular one.
Stuff the dough with fillings such as bacon, ham, or sautéed onions before shaping and baking.
Serve Pão de Queijo as a savory breakfast dish with scrambled eggs and bacon or as an appetizer with dipping sauces such as chimichurri or spicy mayo.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (250ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (125ml) vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (250g) tapioca flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan or similar hard cheese
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). A baking sheet should be greased or lined with parchment paper. Heat the milk, oil, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat until the mixture boils. Take the pot off the heat and give it some time to cool.
In a large bowl, mix the tapioca flour and the cooled milk mixture until well combined. The mixture will be thick and lumpy.
Add the eggs to the mixture one at a time, stirring until the dough becomes smooth and glossy. Stir in the grated cheese until well combined.
Let the dough rest for 30 minutes to an hour to allow the tapioca flour to absorb the liquid and become more cohesive.
Use your hands or a small scoop to shape the dough into small balls (about 1-2 inches in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the Pão de Queijo is lightly browned and puffy.
Serve the Pão de Queijo warm, plain, or with your preferred toppings or dipping sauces.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Pão de Queijo!